Sweetened with banana, these healthy banana waffles will become your new favourite breakfast! Whole wheat banana waffles that make a healthy breakfast for baby, and the rest of the family.
*Please note* this post has been updated as of September 2019. The recipe remains the same, but the post has been updated with new photos.
It’s been a while since I’ve posted a baby-friendly recipe since Wally is now just eating whatever we’ve been making, and I’m not focusing on baby friendly meals and snacks – BUT – I have to post this one because I can’t keep it from you any longer!
What do you expect from your waffles? I want mine to be light and airy, but very crispy on the outside – I want to hear that crunch when I bite into it! Also, I want them to be a little sweet, but not so overpoweringly sweet that the addition of maple syrup (because, maple syrup!!) makes the whole experience too sweet. Oh, and I don’t want my waffles to be ridiculously high in fat or sugar, since I like to save those calories for other things (maple syrup)?
Well, these healthy banana waffles accomplish all of the above, AND they are made with 100% whole wheat flour, and sweetened entirely with banana and a touch of maple syrup. They are the perfect breakfast for your wee one if you’ve just started out with baby led weaning, or your babe is starting to eat more solid food. Both of my boys were more than happy to munch on a plain waffle with a bit of butter.
Waffle perfection!
How do you make healthy banana waffles?
First of all, are you wondering about the pink? Sometimes I roast a few beets with water to get a strong natural pink colour that I can put into the kids’ food for a fun change. It’s the same method I use for my chocolate beet cupcakes! You only need a few tablespoons of the pink water to change the colour of the batter; just enough to get a fun colour but not so much it changes the make-up of the recipe. Try it sometime!
The waffles are pretty quick to throw together; the buttermilk is a MUST to balance out the heaviness of the whole wheat flour and to create that light and fluffy texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, or you prefer to use another milk when baking for your children, add some vinegar or lemon juice to the milk you have on hand and let it sit for 10 minutes before incorporating it into the batter (more in the recipe notes).
Make sure you use VERY ripe bananas – as in – they’re ready to walk off your counter. It’s necessary for the natural sweetness! Depending on your waffle maker, you’ll need to use about 1/3 – 2/3 cup batter per waffle. Make sure you cook them long enough that they’re crispy! Nobody likes a soggy waffle 😉
Are these waffles sugar-free?
If you’d like to keep all extra sweeteners out of the recipe for your wee ones, you can skip the maple syrup and they’re still pretty tasty. I used to split the batter into two bowls, and then mix a bit of maple syrup into the one for us, keeping Wally’s totally sugar-free.
The recipe makes enough for a family of 4-5, and if you have any extra, they freeze beautifully! I like to pop my leftover waffles into the toaster for a few minutes to crisp them up again before serving.
I HIGHLY recommend you save a few bananas to try these waffles out for your next family breakfast!
If healthy banana waffles are your thing, you’ll love some of these other healthier recipes!
Sweetened with banana, these healthy banana waffles will become your new favourite breakfast! Whole wheat banana waffles that make a healthy breakfast for baby, and the rest of the family.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
2 (very ripe) bananas
2 eggs, room temperature
1/3 cup melted coconut oil, slightly cooled
2 tsp pure maple syrup (optional)*
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups buttermilk*, room temperature
Instructions
Preheat your waffle maker while preparing the waffle batter.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. In another bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until no large lumps remain. Whisk in the eggs and melted coconut oil (be sure your coconut oil isn’t too hot or it will cook your eggs). Add the maple syrup, if using, and vanilla extract, then slowly whisk in the room temperature buttermilk.
Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients, then pour in the wet ingredients. Use a large wooden spoon to stir together until just combined – do not over mix! Depending on the size of your waffle maker, use 1/3 – 2/3 cup batter per waffle and cook for 6-7 minutes, or until crispy. Keep the completed waffles in the oven at 195 F while cooking the rest. Serve warm!
Waffles are best enjoyed immediately, but can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for 1-2 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. I like to put my room temperature waffles in the toaster for a few minutes to crisp up again, and if freezing, re-heat the waffles by heating up in an oven at 225 F for 10-15 minutes.
Notes
To keep the waffles completely sugar-free for baby, skip the maple syrup; you can also split the batter into two bowls and add 1 tbsp maple syrup to one half.
If you don’t have real buttermilk on hand, make your own by combining 2 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar to 1 3/4 cup milk. You can also do this with non-dairy milk!
I love my waffles the same way! Light and airy but crispy on the outside! Love the use of beet water in the batter. That is such a fun change. Definitely need to try that some time! Have a great weekend Katherine!
It seems that we enjoy the same type of waffles 😉 These look fabulous, Katherine, and glad that you finally shared ’em!! Lots of maple syrup for me please! This is my kinda weekend brunchin’! Happy Friday! XO
YES! That’s a very accurate description 🙂 Thanks Kelly – haha I am so happy to hear that because I was thinking of re-doing the photos (I’m my own worst critic)!! Happy weekend!
Yay Patrick – your comment worked this time! I hardly ever make pancakes or waffles without buttermilk – it makes them so fluffy!! Have a great weekend!
Oh my gosh. I would so love to be waking up to a plate of these tomorrow! But all my bananas are green right now so I’ll probably have to wait til next weekend…but that just gives me more time to get excited! Have a great weekend, Katherine!
Ah – I wish I could make you some!! I’ll take comfort knowing you are ripening those bananas for next weekend – the anticipation!! Have a great weekend too, my friend!!
I didn’t know you’re so picky when it comes to waffles, Katherine, haha. But indeed so am I – I’ve got the same criteria. I do like this creation too. Btw, if you haven’t tried buckwheat waffles/pancakes, you might consider making some. This flour goes exceptionally well with both bananas and maple syrup.
I love freezing them too! It’s great making a whole batch and then being able to easily re-heat them! Thank you Marcie! I hope you get a chance to try them!!
We are huge waffle lovers over here. I love the 100% whole wheat flour addition – I always tend to mix in all purpose flour since I can’t seem to nail that airy texture with just whole wheat. So, this recipe is a must try!!!
I know what you mean about whole wheat – I sometimes mix in the all-purpose too, especially with pancakes! The buttermilk definitely helps with the lift. Hope you get a chance to try! 🙂
Katherine – I love this recipe, and thanks for the tip about using buttermilk to lighten up wheat flour creations. I love using whole wheat flour in baked goods in theory, but they often come out a little dry and bland. Anything to lighten it up is a welcome change! I also love these waffles – any reason to use maple syrup is a good thing! Thanks for the tips – and the recipe!
Thank you Laura!! YES – buttermilk makes such a big difference. I know exactly what you mean about the dry and bland texture!! I am with you on the maple syrup – there is nothing like it 🙂 Cheers, friend!
Pancakes and waffles are a regular breakfast in our house over weekends! I love trying new recipes..This one looks great Kathy..And I love that its healthier..I love the idea of using beet for that pretty color 🙂
You know how to make a perfect waffle, Katherine! I’m dying to have some of these! I’m going to have to let some bananas go overripe so I can make some of these this week!
I just wanna devour those yummy healthy waffles! My favorite kind because they are healthy and I know they are good so I can indulge and not feel so guilty!! Bananas too!! YUM!!
You need to make some and devour them!! I never feel too guilty when I indulge in these waffles 😉 The bananas are the perfect amount of sweetness! Thanks!!
I am so glad that I found your blog! I love cooking so much. Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe with all of us I will try my hands on these yummy looking waffles. Much Love and Regards.
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I love my waffles the same way! Light and airy but crispy on the outside! Love the use of beet water in the batter. That is such a fun change. Definitely need to try that some time! Have a great weekend Katherine!
Yes – the perfect waffle!! Thanks Leanne – I love making things a little more fun for the kids sometimes 🙂 Hope you have a lovely weekend as well!!
It seems that we enjoy the same type of waffles 😉 These look fabulous, Katherine, and glad that you finally shared ’em!! Lots of maple syrup for me please! This is my kinda weekend brunchin’! Happy Friday! XO
Is there any other way to enjoy waffles? 😉 Thanks Dawn!! I’m so happy to finally have them up, too! Happy Friday to you – YAY weekend!
OOOOH it’s like banana bread but in waffles!! These look amazing Katherine! And your pictures are gorgeous…I want to lick the screen hahaha 🙂
YES! That’s a very accurate description 🙂 Thanks Kelly – haha I am so happy to hear that because I was thinking of re-doing the photos (I’m my own worst critic)!! Happy weekend!
Buttermilk does make such a difference in waffles! These look perfect and a great banana use!
Yay Patrick – your comment worked this time! I hardly ever make pancakes or waffles without buttermilk – it makes them so fluffy!! Have a great weekend!
these are SO pretty! i love them!!!! i’ve also never owned a waffle iron in my life…maybe i should get one to makes these! happy friday Katherine!
GEORGIE!! Can we even be friends?! Hah you need to get a waffle iron girl! So good! Happy Friday my friend!
Oh my gosh. I would so love to be waking up to a plate of these tomorrow! But all my bananas are green right now so I’ll probably have to wait til next weekend…but that just gives me more time to get excited! Have a great weekend, Katherine!
Ah – I wish I could make you some!! I’ll take comfort knowing you are ripening those bananas for next weekend – the anticipation!! Have a great weekend too, my friend!!
I printed this out so I could make them for my daughter. She loves bananas and waffles and she’s always loving for healthy ones. Thanks!
Hooray! Happy to hear that! I hope she loves them – they are a true favourite around here 🙂
So creative ! Will do to surprise my boy 🙂 Thank you dear !
Aw I hope he loves it!! Thank YOU! 🙂
I didn’t know you’re so picky when it comes to waffles, Katherine, haha. But indeed so am I – I’ve got the same criteria. I do like this creation too. Btw, if you haven’t tried buckwheat waffles/pancakes, you might consider making some. This flour goes exceptionally well with both bananas and maple syrup.
Haha, I don’t want a soggy waffle, Ben! I have never tried buckwheat!! I like the idea – I’ll definitely try it. Thanks for the suggestion!
Waffles are our favorite breakfast and I love freezing them up to eat during the week! These look PERFECT and I want to make them ASAP!
I love freezing them too! It’s great making a whole batch and then being able to easily re-heat them! Thank you Marcie! I hope you get a chance to try them!!
We are huge waffle lovers over here. I love the 100% whole wheat flour addition – I always tend to mix in all purpose flour since I can’t seem to nail that airy texture with just whole wheat. So, this recipe is a must try!!!
I know what you mean about whole wheat – I sometimes mix in the all-purpose too, especially with pancakes! The buttermilk definitely helps with the lift. Hope you get a chance to try! 🙂
Yes, waffles must have a crisp on the outside. Really like that you made them with whole wheat flour. Sounds delicious 😉
Thanks so much! I try to use whole wheat when I can, although sometimes you just need to go all-purpose 😉
I love homemade waffles Katherine! And your right. These are total waffle perfection!
You’re in good company! These ones are so good – thank you!! 🙂
Katherine – I love this recipe, and thanks for the tip about using buttermilk to lighten up wheat flour creations. I love using whole wheat flour in baked goods in theory, but they often come out a little dry and bland. Anything to lighten it up is a welcome change! I also love these waffles – any reason to use maple syrup is a good thing! Thanks for the tips – and the recipe!
Thank you Laura!! YES – buttermilk makes such a big difference. I know exactly what you mean about the dry and bland texture!! I am with you on the maple syrup – there is nothing like it 🙂 Cheers, friend!
Pancakes and waffles are a regular breakfast in our house over weekends! I love trying new recipes..This one looks great Kathy..And I love that its healthier..I love the idea of using beet for that pretty color 🙂
Us too, Deepika!! It’s kind of a weekend tradition 🙂 Thank you so much!! You definitely have to try the beets sometime – it is so fun!!
You know how to make a perfect waffle, Katherine! I’m dying to have some of these! I’m going to have to let some bananas go overripe so I can make some of these this week!
You are too kind!! Thanks Thao!! I have been buying bunches of bananas just to let them get ripe for treats like this 😉
I just wanna devour those yummy healthy waffles! My favorite kind because they are healthy and I know they are good so I can indulge and not feel so guilty!! Bananas too!! YUM!!
You need to make some and devour them!! I never feel too guilty when I indulge in these waffles 😉 The bananas are the perfect amount of sweetness! Thanks!!
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I am so glad that I found your blog! I love cooking so much. Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe with all of us I will try my hands on these yummy looking waffles. Much Love and Regards.
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That’s very sweet of you to say, thank you! I hope you try the waffles, they’re great!